United States Grand Prix - Formula One (F1) - Austin

[bird_dog0347]

Not likely.

I thought that they already announced that they would be doing driving schools and manufacturer events?

They will HAVE to lease out the track on a regular basis just to cover costs... There is simply no other way, even by hosting a concert per night at the amphitheater once it is done, they still have to keep revenue coming in regularly just to stay afloat. Now, I am not saying it will be cost effective for most people to drive/ride there as it will very likely be $500/day (or more) cost for a track day or more for the first 5 years at least, and likely even more for the schools that will operate there. Now I won't be doing track days there regularly at that cost, but I damn sure will make it for at least one a year even at $500/day...

[Baron Von Crowder]

Not likely.

I thought that they already announced that they would be doing driving schools and manufacturer events?

[aggie97]

Guys, they will cover their operating costs by leasing the track to track day organizations as well as driving/riding schools.

Not likely.

[Baron Von Crowder]

Guys, they will cover their operating costs by leasing the track to track day organizations as well as driving/riding schools. The once a year F1 race will sell out at least for the next few years, and Moto GP will sell out as well for at least the next 5 years. As for Bernie not renewing the contracts, that all depends on the global economy as much as the local economy. They won't have less than 17-18 races a year, and I don't see too many new tracks being built in the next 4-8 years given the current global economy, so the ones that are here, new, state of the art, and in a good location will continue to be on the schedule until something better comes along to replace it. In the end, Bernie will get his money, and we will get to watch F1 racing. I am watching on TV this year, but plan to go next year after they have done it once and get some of the bugs worked out. There will still be no less than 100k people there this year.

truth


many of my customer's are in Austin, and Ive been getting the 'round Austin goings ons, hotels are all booked up, there are no rental cars available, and traffic is a nightmare. Oh, and there will be a ton of people flying in tonight and tomorrow. Ive got some folks that I race with that live out of state that are flying in to San Antonio and driving up and back both days, because it was the closest place to get a room.

[bird_dog0347]

Guys, they will cover their operating costs by leasing the track to track day organizations as well as driving/riding schools. The once a year F1 race will sell out at least for the next few years, and Moto GP will sell out as well for at least the next 5 years. As for Bernie not renewing the contracts, that all depends on the global economy as much as the local economy. They won't have less than 17-18 races a year, and I don't see too many new tracks being built in the next 4-8 years given the current global economy, so the ones that are here, new, state of the art, and in a good location will continue to be on the schedule until something better comes along to replace it. In the end, Bernie will get his money, and we will get to watch F1 racing. I am watching on TV this year, but plan to go next year after they have done it once and get some of the bugs worked out. There will still be no less than 100k people there this year.

[aggie97]

are you just guessing 40,000? i don't have numbers, nor do i care, but an article said an estimated 120,000 fans will be in attendance.

either way i'm headed down tomorrow... though im sure tv coverage is probably better, it should be a good time, great atmosphere.

so divide his number by 3...$1700.

Grape, not trying to be confrontational but where did you find the $900 million figure? If that is the case, the Owner/promoter are f'n morons. Miller Motorsport supposedly cost $120 Million and this track is NOT 7 times bigger or better.

Personally, I think in the long run, this track will have a 3 to 6 year run. With the economy tanking in the next couple years, ticket sales here and at every track are going to go WAY down. Spectators can save a lot of money by just sitting at home and get an acceptable experience.

That being said, I do hope it finds a way to stick around for many years and then open it's doors to Club racing events. I know there are a few Grand Am events, a NARRA event and an SCCA double national scheduled. I have V8 supercar tickets near turn 15 for May and can't wait. I just don't see those events filling the stands if at all because those series are designed for TV coverage. AV8SC does put on a hell of a live show though.

eh, time will tell overall but I am NOT looking forward to the traffic problems even at the MAY event.

[Grape]

USGP at IMS...

Thanks for the heads up on TMS though, pretty fucking useful in a discussion on F1 ticket sales at COTA!

I misunderstood what you meant by indy races. Eaither way, those of you that go will have a great time, as it wont be crowded. Just enjoy it while it lasts. Bernie's business model doesnt include financial concearn of the promoters.

[kenny c]

I've been there the last few days working (roller shades in the media section) and it is nowhere near done for the facilities, but the track and pits are all done. I got a tour of the Toro Rosso team today and that was pretty cool

The one thing I know for sure is traffic will be horrendous... if you can, figure out a way to come the back way on 812 heading in from the East. 130 to Elgin to Bastrop then SW on 21 to 812... I don't know, but it will be a nightmare for sure. Take some used bicycles and park far away and cycle in..

[Slowhand]

indy race where? i can tell you exactly how many tickets are scanned at TMS every year for each event.

USGP at IMS...

Thanks for the heads up on TMS though, pretty fucking useful in a discussion on F1 ticket sales at COTA!

[momo]

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/motor...at-race-168400

so, how many?

i think that's nascar.


f1 at indianapolis started at 200k and wound up at 100k before it left.

[suckerdin]

indy race where? i can tell you exactly how many tickets are scanned at TMS every year for each event.

FORT WORTH, Texas -- The night race at Texas Motor Speedway produced another good crowd. It's estimated that 168,400 attended the Samsung Mobile 500.

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/motorsports/post/_/id/562/estimated-attendance-at-race-168400

so, how many?

[Grape]

Grape, you know the track has a few more revenue streams than the ticket sales for the F1 race, right???

it doesn't have TV money like other major motorports in the US.

[Grape]

Where's the 40k ticket figure coming from? Hell, the Indy races averaged over 3 times that.

indy race where? i can tell you exactly how many tickets are scanned at TMS every year for each event.

[momo]

are you just guessing 40,000? i don't have numbers, nor do i care, but an article said an estimated 120,000 fans will be in attendance.

either way i'm headed down tomorrow... though im sure tv coverage is probably better, it should be a good time, great atmosphere.

[Slowhand]

no, i mean literally, there will only be 40K tickets sold. The facility cost 900 million, and the sanction fee per event is 25 million. so a 5 year bus plan is 1.025 billion total, which means if you sell 40k tickets each of those five years, they need to retail for $5125 each to break even after 5 years.................ya good job guys.

Where's the 40k ticket figure coming from? Hell, the Indy races averaged over 3 times that.